The Oft-Overlooked 3.2 Liter V6 Chrysler / Dodge Engines
Chrysler's 3.2 liter V-6 engine was a new aluminum-block design based on the original 3.5 liter V6, launched in 1998 and dropped in 2002. Power was about the same as the original 3.5 engine, with a broader torque curve - an impressive feat, given the smaller displacement and the use of regular, rather than mid-grade, fuel.
The 3.2 V6 had a variable intake system, building on Chrysler's work back in the 1950s and 60s; it varied the length of the intake manifold tubes to create a small, but useful, supercharging effect at different engine speeds.
Bob Sheaves set the order of the engine development and components (not actual production) as:
Willem Weertman's Chrysler Engines suggests that the 2.7 was based directly off the 3.5 V6, but is really in its own engine family. In any case, all these engines were Chrysler designs, though some mistakenly attribute them to Mitsubishi.
Chrysler V6 engines compared with those of competitive cars, 1998
Competitive information from manufacturer's press kits and data books.
Chrysler V6 engine specifications - "LH" series, 1998-2007
All three engines had 24 valves (four per cylinder) and reduced emissions with at least one three-way catalytic converter, quad-heated oxygen sensors, and EGR.
Chrysler's 3.2 liter V-6 engine was a new aluminum-block design based on the original 3.5 liter V6, launched in 1998 and dropped in 2002. Power was about the same as the original 3.5 engine, with a broader torque curve - an impressive feat, given the smaller displacement and the use of regular, rather than mid-grade, fuel.
Bob Sheaves set the order of the engine development and components (not actual production) as:
- 3.3: first clean-sheet Chrysler V6; cam-in-block pushrod
-
- 3.5 first generation: high output 3.3, all aluminum, single overhead cam (SOHC)
- 3.5 second generation - higher output; still SOHC
- 2.7 - higher efficiency, smaller version of the second 3.5; dual cam (DOHC)
- 3.2 - increased torque 2.7 (SOHC)
Willem Weertman's Chrysler Engines suggests that the 2.7 was based directly off the 3.5 V6, but is really in its own engine family. In any case, all these engines were Chrysler designs, though some mistakenly attribute them to Mitsubishi.
Chrysler V6 engines compared with those of competitive cars, 1998
Vehicle | Engine | hp | Octane | Car cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nissan Maxima, 1997 | 3.0L | 190 | Regular | $24,675 |
Ford Taurus, 1996 | 3.0L | 200 | Regular | $24,205 |
Intrepid/Concorde, 1998 | 2.7L | 200 | Regular | $21,000 |
Cadillac Catera, 1997 | 3.0L | 200 | Premium | $34,750 |
LH series, 1993-97 | 3.5L | 214 | Mid-Grade | $24,270 |
Intrepid/Concorde, 1998 | 3.2L | 220 | Regular | $24,000 |
Ford Taurus SHO, 1996 | 3.4L | 235 | Premium | $28,250 |
LHS/300M, 1998 | 3.5L | 250 | Mid-Grade | $30,000 |
Competitive information from manufacturer's press kits and data books.
Chrysler V6 engine specifications - "LH" series, 1998-2007
All three engines had 24 valves (four per cylinder) and reduced emissions with at least one three-way catalytic converter, quad-heated oxygen sensors, and EGR.
Category | 2.7 Liter | 3.2 liter | 3.5 Liter (LX) |
---|---|---|---|
Bore x Stroke | 3.39 x 3.09 | 3.66 x 3.19 | 3.78 x 3.19 |
Compression | 9.71:1 / 9.9:1 | 9.5:1 | 9.9:1 |
Power (hp) | 190 or 200 | 220 @ 6600 | 250 @6400 |
Torque (lb-ft) | 188 or 190 | 222 @ 4000 | 250 @ 3900 |
Max. RPM | 6464 or 6,600 | 6800 rpm | ? |
Fuel | 87 octane (regular) | 89 preferred |